Dangers of “sextexting”
15th May 2009
Reports have emerged from the United States of children sending nude images of themselves to others via mobile phones.
The Children and Young Persons (Harmful Publications) Act 1955 prevented the dissemination of certain pictorial publications harmful to children and young persons. The Obscene Publications Acts 1959 and 1964 made certain strictures against “obscene matter” although it was not really targeted at child protection.
However the Protection of Children Act 1978 prevented the exploitation of children by making indecent photographs of them. The Act also penalises the distribution, showing and advertisement of such indecent photographs.
Sections 45 to 51 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 now deal with indecent photography of children (including those aged 16 or 17).
